Four Associations Tournament dates released

The dates have been confirmed for the inaugural Four Associations Tournament between Scotland, Wales, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in Dublin in 2011.

Following a meeting in Copenhagen on Wednesday, the Football Associations of the four competing nations agreed on provisional dates for the six games, which will see each team face all the others once in a league format.

The first two games are set to be played on February 8 and February 9, 2011, with the remainder going ahead at the end of the club season on May 24, 25, 27 and 28.

With the final of The UEFA Europa League [what The UEFA Cup will be known as from next season] also taking place in Dublin in 2011, the year promises a major boost for numbers travelling to Ireland for big football games with Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney saying: “The Four Associations’ tournament will be the first ever tournament to be hosted by the FAI in Dublin.

“We expect huge numbers of fans to travel and alongside The UEFA Europa League Final which will also be hosted in Dublin in May, the tournament will be a major boost for the tourism and hospitality industry.

“Both events will make for a real festival of football and will provide a fitting celebration for Aviva Stadium which is on schedule for completion next year.”